CHAPTER 15 - Rinne Festival (1)

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It was finally the day of the Rinne Festival and Hinata still hadn't given Naruto his gift. She didn't know what was holding her back. Each thread of yarn was carefully knit with love and affection and yet it still sat folded up and tucked away in her dresser.

She didn't know why but it felt equivalent to declaring her love for him.

And even if that was true she still didn't know why it caused her to hesitate.

They were together.

He loved her.

He really loved her.

"Hinataaaa, we can be a little late, no?"

Naruto had his arms wrapped around her waist as he pressed himself tight across her back, holding her still as she struggled to take a step towards their bedroom.

"Naruto-kun, everyone's probably already enjoying the food and games," Hinata laughed, gently trying to pry his fingers apart. "Don't you want to see everyone?"

"I can see them any other day. I kind of just want to be with you," he admitted, kissing her cheek. He was looking at her as mischievously as ever but there was something else in his expression. Something akin to nervousness. Why he would be nervous she had no idea. "Um, maybe we can spend some quality time together. Alone."

She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, shaking her head as he grinned playfully.

"You see me every day-"

"Not yesterday," Naruto pouted, his hands sliding dangerously low on her hips. "Not this morning or afternoon. You stayed at the compound."

Hinata grasped his hands firmly in her own, shooting him a half hearted frown. "You know I was meeting with the elders."

Naruto finally relented, loosening her from his embrace only to swiftly turn her around so they were properly face to face.

"Yeah, those old coots," he grumbled, looking very obviously disgruntled. "Didn't one of them call you a wench? Who even says that anymore?"

Hinata stifled a laugh. "Other than that slip up, it went quite well," she admitted.

And it did. She had met with the elders at her father's suggestion. There were plenty of distrustful stares and judging expressions. They had already been informed of her condition and though some were highly doubtful of her explanation and reasoning behind the true cause of the pregnancy, she had ultimately decided to do her best to not let them get to her. Not anymore.

She had the support of those who mattered to her.

The elders would have to accept her situation for how it was. They had to accept the fact that the eldest daughter of Hyuga Hiashi will be under the safety and protection of none other than Uzumaki Naruto. That she would be living with said Jinchuriki. And she would be having his child.

It was done.

"Now, I need to get dressed and we should meet up with our friends, Naruto-kun," Hinata said, tip-toeing to reach his lips for a quick peck.

"Fine, fine," he said, taking a step back from her, his hands in his pockets and looking uncharacteristically out of place.

Hinata hesitated, her hand on the door of their bedroom.

"Are you okay, Naruto-kun?" she asked.

"I'm fine," he said, a little too quickly. "Fine. Just fine. Uh, I'll just get my jacket on and we can go."

Hinata watched him for a second longer before retreating into their room. After dressing appropriately for the winter weather she found herself staring at the red scarf she had knitted for the umpteenth time. How many hours and days had she spent working on it? How many lingering memories were woven into the fabric?

She held the scarf close to her chest, allowing her eyes to flutter shut before deciding that tonight would be the night. There was no reason to hesitate.

She stepped out of the room, Naruto's back to hers. She saw with furrowed brows how his shoulders had tensed and how he took a few seconds too long to turn around. How he pushed his hands back into his pockets before facing her with a wary grin.

His eyes immediately fell to the red fabric in her hand and she felt her cheeks match the color.

"What's that?" he asked, his skittish behavior evaporating as curiosity took its place.

"Ah, um, it's for you, Naruto-kun," she said quickly. "I knit it. For you. I...I know it's not much but- but I wanted to give you something for the Rinne festival. I had been working on it for a long time and um, well, I should have given it to you sooner but I kept adding to it and adding to it. And now it might even be too long so maybe you shouldn't wear it? I would love if you did but I know you have your mother's scarf and I-"

"Hinata," Naruto's hands were on her shoulders, rubbing soothing circles with his thumb. He bent forward to match her height. She realized she had been rambling and she took a deep breath, holding the present out to him.

"Please, accept my gift!"

There was a moment of hesitation where Hinata thought that maybe he wouldn't accept it. But then he smiled, a low chuckle escaping his lips.

"You're so weird, Hinata," he said softly, affection lacing his words. His fingers brushed over hers, the warmth he radiated heating her to the core as the scarf unraveled in his hands. "Wow…"

She fidgeted, hoping he would like it-

"I love it," he whispered, running his fingers across the soft fabric. "You made this for me?"

"Mhm," she nodded, feeling her heart sore.

"Wow," he repeated. "You must have spent so much time on this… I…Hinata, this means a lot."

Her eyes widened at his words.

"Yes," she said, her voice hushed. She had hoped he would understand.

"I get it," he went on, glancing over at the scarf his mother knit hanging on a hook on the wall. "This… you really love me. Your love for me can't be unraveled easily."

She felt tears form at the corner of her eyes and all she could do was nod.

"Thank you, Hinata," he said, holding the scarf close. "Thank you."

"Will you...will you wear it tonight?" she asked hesitantly.

He was looking at her, his blue eyes sparkling as he looped the scarf around his neck.

"On one condition, Hinata," he said, his hand moving into his pocket. "If you'll wear something of mine."

She almost stopped breathing when he pulled out a ring.

"Naruto-kun…"

"Marry me, Hinata?" he asked, stepping in close. And suddenly he was the one who was nervous once more. It seemed she had hesitated too long. "I know it's not super fancy," he rambled. "It's simple but um. It was my moms, ya know? I found it in their box of stuff and I just thought it would be perfect for you. It...unites us, dattebayo. Shows my love for you kinda like your scarf does for me and well-"

"Yes," she interrupted.

"Huh?"

"Yes, Naruto-kun, I'll marry you," she gasped, surging forward to embrace him.

Physical touch was something he understood immediately and she felt his arms wrap around her in turn, squeezing tight.

"That's why you wanted to stay back tonight?" she asked, her voice muffled against his shirt.

"Maybe," he mumbled, pulling back to take her in. "I know I've wanted to ask for a while and I wasn't sure if this would be too soon but... I know what I want."

"I want you too, Naruto-kun," she said, feeling giddy. This was joy like she had never felt.

They...technically they were now…

"We're engaged!" Naruto exclaimed, scooping her back up to spin her around in circles. "I'm engaged to the soon to be Uzumaki Hinata!"

She felt her blush rise as she clung to him, feeling tears flow freely down her cheeks.

Hinata Uzumaki.
She really, really liked that.

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...

"Oh, crap, wasn't I supposed to get down on one knee?!"

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Ino pulled at his arm, her nails digging deep into his skin. That's how he knew she saw something interesting. He glanced at his girlfriend, wordlessly asking for an update but her crystal blue eyes were directed elsewhere. Following her gaze, Sai's eyes landed on Naruto and Hinata, standing in front of a booth selling sweets.

There had to be more.

The nails piercing his arm proved it.

"Ino, what do you see?" Sai asked curiously. He hadn't attended many Rinne Festivals but he found he enjoyed them quite a lot. People acted differently when in crowds and people acted differently during a holiday like this. There was often a lot of laughter and smiles and vendors from out of town. It wasn't only the villagers of Konoha enjoying the celebration. People from other villages took time to join in the festivities. He really enjoyed inspecting the different clothing and outfits, the different behaviors, the different interactions.

Ino inhaled sharply, dancing in place as she pointed with her free hand.

"Sai, look!" she exhaled, a smile on her lips, eyes lit bright in surprise. "Look!"

He looked.

Naruto had carefully tucked aside his red scarf before leaning forward to grab something from the vendor. He watched as Naruto turned to hand Hinata a fresh, warm cinnamon roll as they stepped away from the cart.

"Hinata loves cinnamon rolls," Sai stated. He learned that much during his observations of the teams closest to him. "Is that what you're excited about? Would you like one?" He knew it was customary for the man to buy the woman things. He read about it in his relationship research books. He also knew it wasn't a rule and more of an outdated suggestion and sometimes Ino got mad if did things perfectly to the books.

"No, look closer," she hissed, pulling them forward.

Hinata had taken hold of the pastry, holding it close to her nose to inhale the sweet scent when her expression of joyful impatience quickly morphed into surprised disgust. She shoved the desert back into Naruto's hands, her own flying up to her mouth as she went green.

"Oh, yes, pregnancy problems," Sai observed. "A shame that foods she once loved now seem to be making her sick."

Ino groaned beside him and he knew immediately he got something wrong.

But he continued to watch Naruto flail and panic as he tossed the cinnamon roll into the bin and ushered his girlfriend to the side, rubbing her back as Hinata took deep breaths to relieve the nausea.

"Don't you see?" Ino asked.

Sai's once masked expression now held the hint of a frown. He had clearly stated his surveillance of the situation.

"For such an observant ninja, you really miss some important details," Ino teased. She was smiling at him so he knew she didn't really mean to insult him.

He smiled back. "You're a powerful kunoichi. Tell me what I overlooked."

"Look at her finger," she hinted, grinning at the couple in the distance.

Sai's eyes honed in on their target and instantly he wondered how he missed it. There, shining from the reflected light of the hanging lanterns and bright burning fires was a ring.

"They're engaged!" Ino whispered to him. "Since when?!"

Sai had learned over time that sometimes when people asked questions they weren't really looking for answers. Which was good for him because for this question he had none.

"Should we go congratulate them?" Sai asked her.

Ino didn't hesitate for a second and he found himself being pulled through the crowd as she shoved past the villagers who hardly spared them a glance.

"Naruto!" Ino shouted. "Hinata!"

The two turned with Naruto at Hinata's side, an arm hanging casually over her shoulder. Sai was pleased to see she was no longer looking sick.

"Hey guys!" Naruto greeted with a grin.

"Ino-chan," Hinata smiled. "Sai-kun. How are you two?"

"Oh, we're fine," Ino said slyly, leaving his own grasp to stand close to Hinata, her hands on her hips. "How are you two?"

Naruto's eyes met Sai's and the Jinchuriki sent him a knowing smirk. It was obvious Naruto was accustomed to Ino's habit's as well.

Hinata glanced up shyly at the blonde man beside her and Sai watched how a simple, curt nod and a gentle smile gave the Hyuga all the encouragement she needed. She held out her hand and Ino snatched it up immediately, oo'ing and ah'ing over the piece of jewelry.

"When? How?" Ino asked excitedly, glancing between the shorter kunoichi and the taller ninja.

"Today," Naruto asked. "Uh. Impulsively?"

Even Sai couldn't help but smile at that. Naruto was indeed an unpredictable person. He had read that proposals were usually a grand gesture. Often with flowers and a pretty location. But he also read that all that really mattered were the two people involved.

"What did he do, Hinata?" Ino asked, hopping on the spot.

Sai observed with quiet curiosity as Hinata laughed, Naruto coming to stand behind her, resting his chin on her head, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist.

"He just asked," Hinata said fondly.

"No fanfare?" Sai finally spoke. "No one to take pictures? No grand gesture? No music or flowers or candles-"

"Hey!" Naruto clung to her tighter. "We didn't need all that!"

Sai noticed he said that but the expression on his face gave away his uncertainty. Hinata tilted her head up.

"It was perfect, Naruto-kun."

"Yeah, it was perfect, Sai," Naruto huffed.

Ino pulled away from the couple, all energy and happiness.

"I have to find Forehead," she said, glancing around at the crowd of people in search of a shocking head of pink. "You guys do whatever you want, I'll be back!" Immediately Ino disappeared, leaving him alone with Naruto and Hinata.

What was he supposed to say? Or do? He was truly happy for his teammate.

"Congratulations," he settled on.

"Sakura-chan's gonna be mad I didn't tell her first," Naruto muttered, ignoring his well wishes.

"Kiba-kun and Shino-kun too," Hinata said with a giggle.

"Well, you two didn't tell us," Sai asserted. "It is just your luck that Ino is quite attentive when it comes to things like this."

Hinata's stomach growled and Naruto frowned at her.

"You said you weren't hungry," he chastised.

She gave him a guilty smile and Naruto snorted before turning to look at him.

"Sai, watch her will ya? I'm going to go find something to eat."

Sai nodded. Naruto's blue eyes were serious as he looked at him. He could sense the trust his friend had in him and he understood in those brief seconds that passed between them that he was relying on him. By watching her he meant more. Keep her safe.

Sai had learned about the particulars behind Hinata's pregnancy and he understood why Naruto was always clinging to her and hesitant to leave. Well, besides the fact that he clearly held deep feelings for the woman.

He noticed Hinata looked slightly uncomfortable and he wondered if it was because of him. She never gave him vibes that she disliked him. She was always very polite and often seemed to understand the nuances past his blank facade. He had an inkling it had to be in part due to being raised surrounded by the stoic Hyuga.

"Are you alright, Hinata?" Sai asked with a tilt of his head.

"Oh, I'm fine!" she replied immediately, smiling up at him. "I'm sorry, it's just my stomach hasn't been behaving much."

Sai nodded. "Yes, I have heard about pregnancy cravings and the nausea and vomiting. Can I help you?"

She shook her head. "No, thank you. I appreciate you offering but-"

Someone had roughly pushed past Hinata as the crowd continued to bustle around them. Sai stared at the assailant with narrowed eyes as she continued on her way seemingly unaware of her rude behavior.

With just a few slight movements and a shift in his position Sai stood beside Hinata so he was between her and the crowd. Naruto would not forgive him if something happened to her.

"How are you?" Hinata asked him as she fixed her ruffled clothing. Her coat hung loose on her small frame but as a ninja, and as an artist, he was very aware of details.

Besides the ring.

He blamed that on the distance and lighting, purposefully ignoring the fact that his girlfriend had noticed it despite all that.

Sai observed the woman before him, on the shorter side, a kind face, clothes too big for her and yet flattering- and a small, outward protrusion of her belly.

"You are showing," he stated.

Her cheeks went pink and he wondered if he said something wrong. Did he accidentally insult her?

"Yes," Hinata said softly, bringing a hand up to her stomach. "I didn't think it was that obvious…"

He shook his head. "You mistaken me. It's not. Well, I expect it wouldn't be to those not looking for it. I've seen you in the past and you look different. You carry yourself differently."

She exhaled a soft laugh. "Carry myself differently? I guess I never noticed myself but it would make sense. Sometimes my back hurts."

Sai tilted his head. "You are only four months in correct? You'll only be getting bigger."

Her blush returned and he realized he may have called her fat? He didn't intend to. He was about to correct himself when she spoke.

"It's not too bad right now but sometimes if I'm on my feet too long I get a little sore."

"Would you like to find a place to sit?" he asked her immediately, turning to look over the heads of people enjoying games, food, and company.

"I'm okay," she insisted, resting her hand on his arm. "Thank you."

While searching for a place to sit Sai felt his senses heighten.

Something was off.

Now instead of directing his gaze over the crowd he narrowed his vision to observe each and every face. Every movement-

There were two people staring in their direction and they approached them patiently- steadily moving through the crowd.

"Do you know them?" Sai asked, his voice low.

He felt Hinata tense beside him. Perhaps something in his inflection gave away his concern but she stood on tiptoes to try and see who he was talking about.

"I can't-"

"Both have light hair. Lighter than Ino's. Can be mistaken for white," Sai listed off. "Pale blue eyes. Small face, pointed chin. Estimate one man's height to be 178cm the other 175cm. Wearing white cloaks-"

He went silent as the men settled in front of them. They were smiling. A smile that could be mistaken as a kind gesture if Sai wasn't intimately familiar with fake smiles.

"Hinata-sama," one man spoke, ignoring Sai completely.

There was a beat of silence as Hinata stared up at the stranger, her brows pinching together as she stood up straighter.

Sai was impressed.

She certainly exuded strength. He wasn't sure how capable she was in her condition but he seemed to not be the only actor around.

"Who are you?" she asked, a coldness to her tone. Sai had hardly ever heard her talk to anyone in this way. She was always respectful and proper.

It was obvious he wasn't the only one getting strange vibes from the men. Sai studied the unusual people in front of him. Their posture was off. Tense, hunched over as they strained to get a good look at Hinata.

Sai shifted on impulse, standing in front of the woman.

He didn't like the way those empty blue eyes watched her. Crazed looks hidden well.

Something was wrong. He knew it.

"Hinata-sama," the man repeated, his fake smile changing into a very real one. One that was too wide. Too big. "It's true. It was successful."

Sai didn't even glance back at Hinata. The enemies were in front of him. One of the men shifted towards the side, inching closer towards Hinata.

"Step back," he ordered. The once cheerful noise of the villagers enjoying the holiday was grating on his ears as he strained his senses to detect anything else. The friendly crowd of people could be hiding something more sinister.

The stranger directly in front of him reached out for Hinata and Sai immediately threw his arm out.

"Step back," he repeated calmly, his other hand resting on the pouch that held his scroll and brush.

The man pulled his hand back, still showing all his teeth as he chortled. His friend at the side darted forward as if to lunge at Hinata and Sai felt her react- he heard a hiss of pain as the assailant stumbled backwards, his arms limp at his side.

"Byakugan princess," the man said with a grin. "A beautiful sight. And she protects the key as she should."

Then the other man moved, his fingers reaching for something under his cloak-

"Sai-" His name on Hinata's lips was quick and urgent, her veined eyes trained on the man's movements as his fingers went to grasp at something.

"Yes," Sai says because he already knows.

He's turning before he could fully see what exactly the man took hold of. He's moving to grab her, his arms under her knees, hers wrapping around his neck and he's jumping to the roofs just as a loud boom shakes the buildings and smoke fills the air.

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Author's Note

This half of the chapter is short. Next one will be longer.

Also, wow. Never did I think I would write a full length story that takes a stab at pining pre relationship, exploring said relationship, and even proposals, a pregnancy, etc. etc. ever again. But here I am lol.

OH. And about those two strangers- none of them were Toneri, just FYI. Just similar in appearance lol.

This was a quick update for you all hehe. With a cliffhanger OOPS :P